Mid-May to June:
King salmon start arriving in mid-May, with fishing picking up by the end of May. Peak king salmon fishing is usually in mid-June.

Early July:
King salmon fishing slows down and typically closes July 13.

Mid-July to Early August:
Silver (coho) salmon begin arriving, with peak fishing from late July into early August.

August:
Ship Creek silver salmon fishing is in full swing.

September:
Smaller numbers of silver salmon continue to trickle in through late September.

Run timing can vary each year, so we’ll help you understand what’s happening right now when you stop in.

Yes. Adults need a non resident sport fishing license. Non-residents under 16 do not need a license. You can buy your Alaska fishing license online , or we can help you get one in the store before you head out.

Yes—if you plan to fish for king salmon (except in stocked lakes), you’ll need a King Salmon Stamp. If you are fishing Ship Creek between May and July 13, its best to purchase the Stamp. You do NOT need a stamp if you are a non-resident under 16 but you must still carry a harvest record card when fishing for king salmon.

Most visitors choose a 3-day or 7-day license.

When fishing for species with annual limits—like king salmon—you are required to record your catch on a Sport Fishing Harvest Record Card, regardless of age.

You can download a harvest record card here , or we can help you make sure you have one before you head out.

Ship Creek is known for salmon—especially king (Chinook) and silver (coho). You may also catch pink and chum salmon depending on the time of year.

Salmon "run" into Alaskan rivers on with the tides. So if you are fishing in Anchorage, you want to be in place 2-3 hours prior to the high tide. The downloadable brochure on this page has all of the tide charts for Ship Creek. Low tide fishing is slow fishing, the fish may pool up or move up river. So whether you fish the Kenai River, the Kasilof River, the Russian River or Ship Creek, you watch the tides.

The gear differs by species and by river. In Ship Creek, You’ll want waders, a heavy-duty rod, and tackle suited for current and snags. That’s exactly what we include in our rental kits so you don’t have to figure it out.

Yes—it’s one of the most accessible salmon fisheries in Alaska. You can walk right in from downtown Anchorage and fish from shore.

Yes, but be aware of tides and muddy areas. The mud can be deep, and tides change quickly—stay on firm ground and wear proper gear like waders. Every year, people fishing at low tide get stuck in the mud by wandering out too far. Fish the high tide and stay near the shore.

Fishing is allowed from the mouth of Ship Creek up to a marked cable near the power plant. Areas upstream of that are closed to fishing. Don't worry you will see plenty of other people fishing the area.

Yes—but limits, seasons, and rules change. Always check current Alaska regulations before fishing. We’ll help you understand what’s allowed.

If you catch and keep a king salmon (20 inches or longer), you’ll need to record it right away on your harvest record card. The limit is typically one king salmon per day, with a seasonal limit as well. On Ship Creek, once you keep a king salmon, you’re done fishing for kings for the rest of that day.

Regulations can change, so we’ll help you understand the current rules before you head out.

If you hook a salmon on Ship Creek, call out “Fish On!”. Other anglers will move out of the way so your line doesn’t tangle. It’s part of the local fishing culture and helps everyone out.